Bowdler replaces Harry Roche who retired as non-executive chairman in May last year. Since May, PA Group chief executive Paul Potts has held the roles of both chairman and chief executive.
The PA board said the appointment of a non-executive chairman would allow the executive team to concentrate on the future growth and development of the business.
Potts said the board recognises that the coming year would be a crucial period for the media industry and Bowdler’s appointment would allow him, along with the executive team, to concentrate on the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Potts said 2009 would be another significant year for the Press Association as it continues to drive its digital strategy.
Bowdler joined Johnston Press in 1994, first as group managing director and then chief executive from 1997. He is chairman of the Press Standards Board of Finance and a former president of the regional publishers’ association, the Newspaper Society. He has been on the PA Group board since 2001.
Bowdler , who has been replaced as chief executive and director at Johnston Press by John Fry, former chief executive of regional publisher Archant, is due to leave Johnston Press in May, and will work with Fry to ensure a smooth handover.
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